Union Pacific Foundation
Accepts applications
Union Pacific Foundation is a private foundation in Omaha, Nebraska. In tax year 2025 it gave $8.2 million in 441 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $600,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$8.2 million
- Number of grants441
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$600,000
- Assets$74,733
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2025 was down from $10.2 million the year before.
74% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $9.8 million | 557 | $762,864 |
| 2024 | $10.2 million | 500 | $50,434 |
| 2025 | $8.2 million | 441 | $74,733 |
How to apply
| Contact | Only Online Applications Are Accept 1400 Douglas Street Stop 1560, Omaha, NE 68179-1620 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (402) 544-0162, upf@up.com |
| What to submit | Grant application available online during specific periods. |
| Deadlines | May 31, 2026 for 2026 applications. |
| Restrictions | The foundation administers the philanthropic program of union pacific corporation and union pacific railroad company. Grants are awarded to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations located in union pacific communities that best align with the foundation's funding guidelines and criteria. Funding is prioritized for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on safety, workforce development, community spaces, and local needs within union pacific local operating communities. |
What Union Pacific Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 26 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 46 | $4.4 million |
| Texas | 97 | $895,000 |
| California | 61 | $700,000 |
| Illinois | 31 | $360,000 |
| Utah | 19 | $242,500 |
| Arkansas | 26 | $175,000 |
| Missouri | 18 | $167,500 |
| Oregon | 12 | $160,000 |
| Iowa | 15 | $140,000 |
| Arizona | 12 | $130,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha Discovery Trust (DBA Kiewit Luminarium) | Community spaces | $600,000 |
| Community Information Trust | Public spaces: recreation and beautification | $500,000 |
| Downtown Riverfront Trust | Public spaces: recreation and beautification | $500,000 |
| Mental Health Innovation Foundation | Health and wellness | $500,000 |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Education: higher | $500,000 |
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Health and wellness | $400,000 |
| Omaha Zoo Foundation | Animal welfare | $335,000 |
| United Way of the Midlands | 20 - health/human services | $325,000 |
| Joslyn Art Museum | Arts and culture | $300,000 |
| Foodbank for the Heartland | Hunger and nutrition | $100,000 |
| American National Red Cross - Omaha | 20 - health/ human services\ american red cross | $50,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | Environment | $35,000 |
| Eugene Parks Foundation | Community & economic development | $30,000 |
| Portland Community College Foundation Inc | Education (higher education) | $30,000 |
| The Houston Food Bank | 20 - health/human services | $30,000 |
| A Safe Haven Foundation | Health & social services | $25,000 |
| Albina Vision Inc | Community & economic development | $25,000 |
| National Railroad Museum | Arts and culture | $25,000 |
| San Jose State University Research Foundation | Education (higher education) | $25,000 |
| Bread of Life | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| Building A Purpose | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| Canyonlands Field Institute Inc | Disaster and emergency services | $20,000 |
| Catholic Charities | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| Climb | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| Conservation Corps of Long Beach | Community & economic development | $20,000 |
| Foothill AIDS Project | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| Friends of the Forest Preserve District of Will County | Environment | $20,000 |
| Hope Outreach Center of Bracketville | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| International Trade Education Programs Inc | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| Jane Addams Resource Corporation | Community & economic development | $20,000 |
| Living Planet Inc | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition | Other | $20,000 |
| Meet the Streets Outreach Ministries Inc | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| Meristem Inc | Health and wellness | $20,000 |
| Mount Pleasant Baptist Church of Houston | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| San Gabriel Valley Foundation for Economic Growth | Community & economic development | $20,000 |
| Siskiyou Community Resource Collaborative | Health & social services | $20,000 |
| The East End Chamber of Commerce Foundation | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| The First Tee of Greater Houston Inc | Education (K-12) | $20,000 |
| Tri County Ems | Health & social services | $20,000 |
Officers and trustees
- VJ Vena
- Ef Whited
- JL Hamann
- BL Clark
- CB Conlin
- TM Rynaski
- SJ Caruso Jr
- CJ Powers
- Ja Menicucci Jr
- Sr Loeffler
- De Black
- LL Stark
- CC Fairchild
Questions people ask
Does Union Pacific Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: May 31, 2026 for 2026 applications.
How much does Union Pacific Foundation give?
$8.2 million in tax year 2025, across 441 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Union Pacific Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists VJ Vena (Chairman of the Board), Ef Whited (President), JL Hamann (VP) and BL Clark (VP) among 13 officers and trustees.
What does Union Pacific Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and human services.